Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

3 Surprising Things That Affect Air Conditioning Efficiency

Tuesday, November 7th, 2017

heat-pump-cashAir conditioning efficiency is something that’s a hot topic in Florida. You might think your high bills are normal, something you’re stuck with whenever the weather is warm simply because you live here. Then, a neighbor tells you they’re paying about half of what you do every month! This is an example of why many people call our technicians for help cutting down electricity bills.

It is possible. In some cases, a change in the way you use your air conditioner will help improve your bills to an extent. However, you might find out that your system needs repair. We’ll help you learn about some of the surprising things that affect AC efficiency in our area in today’s list.

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How Long Can You Expect to Keep Air Conditioning Equipment?

Monday, October 23rd, 2017

touchstone-new-ac-yorkWe know that it can be frustrating to find out your air conditioning system needs replacement. It feels like you haven’t had your system for that long, after all (although you may not remember the exact date). In our area, air conditioning systems fail even sooner than in other parts of the country. So when you set out to purchase a new air conditioner, you have one big question: how long will this one last?

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Broken Down AC Systems: Can They Be Repaired?

Monday, September 25th, 2017

service-tools-air-conditionersThere’s no easy way to diagnose an air conditioning system without having a technician come and take a look. When you experience problems with an air conditioner, such as trouble getting the right amount of airflow through the vents, it could be anything from a dirty air filter to low refrigerant to dilapidated ductwork. So what about when an air conditioner is completely broken down? Shouldn’t the problem be obvious?

A professional should be able to quickly diagnose the problem and determine whether the air conditioner needs replacement. Often, this isn’t the case! Today, find out what a broken down central air conditioner may indicate and see why it’s so important to call in technicians to solve the case!

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The Simple Step that Makes Your Air Conditioner Live Longer

Monday, August 28th, 2017

technician-changing-filter-ventRegular maintenance, as we’ve discussed before, is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly for longer. This is something that should always be handled by a professional technician, someone who knows the ins and outs of central AC systems and can spot AC repairs sooner. Regular tune-ups involve many steps, but not every step of air conditioning maintenance can (or should) be handled by the pros.

Completing this one simple step, once a month at least, can make your air conditioner run better, last longer, and use less energy—meaning that overall, you save!

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4 Common AC Repairs: Don’t Wait to Fix These!

Monday, August 14th, 2017

AC-repair-contractorYour air conditioner is, of course, more than just a box that shoots cold air out. It’s a complex collection of mechanical and electrical components that all work together towards a goal of removing heat from your home’s air in order to move refrigerated air into it.

That said, when any single component runs into trouble, the entire air conditioner may be soon to follow. It doesn’t take long for one worn-down part to begin wreaking havoc for the entire system. The other parts have to compensate for the loss, and that can cause wear that’s tough to remedy.

Don’t let your air conditioner go into a state of disrepair for longer than you should. Check out a few of the most common AC repairs we make and learn why you shouldn’t wait to call for repairs.

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If You Want to Keep Your AC Healthy, Get on a Maintenance Plan

Monday, July 17th, 2017

air-conditioning-serviceEveryone wants to get the most years of service out of their climate control systems as possible. These are big investments, after all, and replacing them after only a few years would be quite a blow. Keeping your eye out for signs that your system is in trouble is a good way to mitigate any problems that might come up. However, it’s not the best way to ensure that your system is in good shape. If you want to keep your air conditioner in good condition for this summer, and the next ten summers beyond, get on a maintenance plan.

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Ways to Improve Your Air Conditioner Performance This Summer

Monday, May 22nd, 2017

air-conditioningIt can be kind of hard to differentiate seasons in a place like Florida. Summer is often identified as that season where the days are slightly hotter than at every other time of year. However, it’s still a good idea to make sure that your air conditioner is in top condition for the hottest months of the year. Summer is the time of year when air conditioners are put under the most stress. There are a couple of different options you can explore for upgrading your air conditioner this season, so it’s ready to serve you well throughout the summer season.

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Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner if it Fits This Description

Monday, May 8th, 2017

air-conditioner-replacementSummer is just around the corner for most other parts of the country. For us, though, seasons are a more nebulous concept. You’ve probably already been using your air conditioner for weeks, and you’ll be relying on it pretty heavily over the next couple of months. Air conditioners suffer a lot of stress in places like Florida, especially during the summer. No amount of care and maintenance can keep them operating forever, either. That’s why you need to know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner with a new one. If your AC sounds like it fits the points below, you should consult with a professional about getting rid of it.

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Want to Keep Your Air Conditioner in Good Shape This Summer? Read This

Monday, April 24th, 2017

air-conditioning-serviceYou’re going to be using your air conditioner more and more often over the next few months. More use means more wear and tear, which means more chances for a problem to develop. If you take certain steps, though, you can make sure that your air conditioner is in top condition to cope with the added demand. Have a look at the two major things you can do to ensure the health of your AC.

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Why You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner if it Uses r22/Freon

Monday, March 27th, 2017

You may not think about the refrigerant in your air conditioner very often (or at all.) However, it’s still a very important part of keeping your system running properly. In fact, without refrigerant, your air conditioner wouldn’t be able to absorb heat and vent it out of your home.

Refrigerant is not actually a name for a specific fluid, though. Instead, it’s a blanket term for a number of different materials that are used for the same general purpose. For many decades, the most common type of refrigerant in use was Freon. In fact, this is still the name most people come up with when you ask them what refrigerant is. However, Freon has a number of problems associated with it that have led to it being phased out of use in air conditioners over the years. Now, Freon is all-but-gone from the field, which is part of the reason that you should replace your air conditioner if it uses the fluid. Learn more about why you should install a new system if your old one uses Freon, by reading below.

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